05/31/2026
My son came home from college in May with two duffel bags and very strong opinions about everything.
He is twenty years old. He’s studying environmental science. He’s been vegan for over a year now. He spent the first week home reorganizing our recycling system and casually leaving articles on the counter about how I could “do better.”
I love him. He is… a lot.
On his third day home, he found a local pit bull rescue on Instagram.
By day four, he had already filled out a volunteer application.
By day six, he called me—with that very specific tone in his voice that every parent instantly recognizes.
“Mom. I need to talk to you about something.”
“No,” I said.
“You didn’t even let me—”
“How many pit bulls and where are they?” I asked.
His name is Jordan. He doesn’t back down from anything. Never has.
That night, he pulled into the driveway with two young pitties in the backseat—Apollo and Sage. One gray and white, one a deeper charcoal with a soft white chest. Both curled into each other like they’d been best friends their whole lives.
“They were going to be separated,” he said, already setting up blankets like he lived here again. “I couldn’t let that happen.”
He sat across from me later like he was presenting a full business plan.
“I’ll handle everything. Food, vet, walks, training—all of it. They’re my responsibility.”
And he meant it.
Every early morning walk. Every vet visit. Every training session. Every single day, all summer long.
Somewhere along the way, they stopped being “the dogs he brought home”… and just became ours.
In August, it was time for him to go back.
He stood by the door for a long time, Apollo’s head resting on his knee, Sage pressed against his side.
“Mom…” he started.
“They’re not going anywhere,” I said.
He nodded. Looked down. Took a breath.
And yeah… he cried a little.
Apollo and Sage still sleep in his room when he comes home. His hoodie still smells like them. He says it helps him sleep better back at school.
The articles on the counter have stopped.
The house feels fuller now.
We’re good. 🌿🐾